Many families today are choosing cremation. If cremation is your
preference, you may be surprised to learn that the opportunities
for creating a unique tribute are just as numerous as they are with
burial ceremonies.

Viewing or Visitation
A public viewing or visitation provides an opportunity for the
family of the deceased and his or her friends, relatives and
colleagues to come together. A visitation is often held at the
funeral home, but can take place in a church or other location.
Friends and colleagues can pay their final respects to the deceased
and offer condolences to the family. A viewing or visitation can
also be private and limited to the deceased's immediate family.

Funeral Service
A funeral service is a formal gathering at the funeral home or
another location. One or several individuals that knew the deceased
may speak at the funeral, whereas other families choose to have a
favorite clergyperson or non-religious celebrant speak. Speeches
may offer prayers or words of wisdom, as well as remarks on the
deceased's life and character.

Witness Cremation
Many crematories provide a viewing room, where close family members
can view the deceased's body as it enters the crematory. Visitation
rooms of this nature can also provide a place for a private
ceremony for the deceased's immediate family.

Committal Service
After cremation has taken place, families may choose to bury the
urn or place it in another permanent resting place such as a
mausoleum, columbarium, or church niche. A committal service can
accompany the placement of cremated remains in a final resting
place, and like a funeral service can include remarks offered by a
clergyperson or other individual.

Memorial Service
A memorial service is similar to a funeral service, except the body
is not present. Many families choose to have the cremated remains
in a decorative urn present. A memorial service can take place
shortly after cremation occurs, or can take place at a later
date.

Regardless of the services you choose, you have many options for
personalizing the service and ensuring that it truly reflects the
unique life of your loved one.